Google AI Stumbles on Simple Math: Was 1995 30 Years Ago?

As we venture into 2025, the conversation surrounding artificial intelligence is increasingly punctuated with warnings about its potential dangers. The narrative is not unfounded: AI is reshaping industries, leading to significant job losses, and inundating our social media feeds with a barrage of less-than-reliable content. But while the specter of AI-induced doom looms large, the reality often reminds us that our digital companions are far from invincible.

Take, for example, Google’s AI Overviews—a feature that has garnered its share of criticism. Recently, users began to notice an alarming trend: the AI tool struggled to perform basic arithmetic, specifically when asked if 1995 was 30 years ago. In the year 2025, the answer should be a resounding yes, as the math is straightforward—2025 minus 1995 equals 30. However, Google’s AI seemed to falter, often responding that 1995 was only 29 years ago.

This peculiar miscalculation quickly became a social media phenomenon. Users began to share their attempts at querying Google, posting screenshots that illustrated the AI’s bewildering responses. The question “Was 1995 30 years ago?” sparked a wave of humor and disbelief as many encountered the same erroneous output.

This is real, try it yourself. [Image or Embed] — Alex 🏴Ⓐ🔆 (The Anarchist Turtle) @theanarchistturtle.bsky.social August 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM

What a relief, I was worried it was 2025 for a second. [Image or Embed] — Microplastics Sommelier @leastactionhero.bsky.social August 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM

Eager to investigate, Mashable conducted its own tests and found that, indeed, Google’s AI sometimes echoed the miscalculations reported by users. In some instances, it provided the correct answer, but other times, it alternated between saying 29 and 30 years ago. This inconsistency raises questions about the reliability of AI systems that are increasingly integrated into our daily lives.

Credit: Mashable / Screenshot: Google

In one attempt, the AI answered correctly, but in subsequent tries, it offered a bizarre response that suggested both 29 and 30 years ago as valid answers. Mashable has reached out to Google for clarification, but the underlying issue remains: how can a company that has revolutionized search and AI technology continue to falter on basic questions?

Credit: Mashable / Screenshot: Google

This latest gaffe isn't an isolated incident. Google’s AI Overviews have come under scrutiny before for confidently presenting incorrect information. From fabricating definitions for nonexistent idioms to stumbling over basic historical facts, the instances of AI missteps are becoming too frequent to ignore. Just last year, the tool caused confusion during a high-profile NFL game by misrepresenting the rules, leading to widespread misinformation among fans.

Despite these recurring blunders, Google continues to promote AI Overviews as a reliable source of information. This ongoing reliance on AI prompts a crucial reminder for users: always verify the information you receive, whether it comes from a trusted source or an advanced algorithm. In an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire, even the most seemingly straightforward facts should be approached with a healthy dose of skepticism.

As we move forward in this AI-driven era, the expectation for accuracy and reliability from these systems will only grow. With the stakes so high, it becomes essential for tech companies to invest in refining their algorithms to prevent the spread of misinformation and to ensure that users can trust their AI tools. So, the next time you turn to Google for a quick answer, it might be worth having a calculator on standby—just in case.